In my last column, using the acrostic “;S-u-c-c-e-s-s-f-u-l P-e-o-p-l-e,”; I shared what I consider to be the first 10 habits of successful people, as related to time management.

I encourage you to see which habits you possess and identify which ones you'd like to develop. Here's a quick review:

Set aside time each day to think.

Use time well.

Change and improve themselves.

Concentrate on solutions, not problems.

Enjoy the process as well as the end result.

Streamline tasks wherever possible.

Spend some time investing in the lives of others.

Follow through with good intentions.

Understand the importance of being organized.

Learn from past mistakes and move on.

Using the P-E-O-P-L-E acrostic in this column, I'd like to share six more habits:

P » Plan long range and not just live day to day. Just as it's too easy to spend our money day to day, it's too easy to live day by day. Our daily actions (and spending) should tie into long-range plans and goals.

E » Effect positive change by making decisions. Some people are so afraid of making the wrong decision that they don't make any, allowing others to decide for them. Or, they wait so long to make a choice that options disappear. Don't be a fence sitter and limit your success. Gather necessary information, dare to make decisions and take calculated risks.

O » Obtain help when needed. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. I don't know anyone who excels in every area. There is no shame in asking for help and utilizing resources and people available to you. I think there IS shame in being too proud or lazy to do so.

P » Put their heart into what they do. Don't live life just going through the motions, but instead do your work heartily. According to Will Rogers, “;If you want to be successful, it's just this simple: Know what you're doing, love what you're doing and believe in what you're doing.”;

L » Live so as to have few regrets. Try to live so you can say “;I'm glad I ...”; more than “;I wish that ...”;

E » Encourage themselves and others. Don't be hard on yourself. Treat yourself as graciously as you do others.

IN JOYCE Landorf Heatherley's book “;Balcony People,”; she describes balcony people as those who encourage and affirm others, people who catch quick glimpses of your potential and tell you so. With one small sentence or more, they have the power to change and elevate your opinion of yourself.

Let's work on being cheerleaders instead of critics of ourselves and others. According to Heatherly, criticism and judgmental comments rarely change anyone. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “;Correction does much but encouragement does more.”;

What does success mean to you? Is it material possessions? Wealth? Fame or prestige? There are many measures of success, but for parents, here's a poem from my bulletin board:

“;SUCCESS—you can use most any measure when you're speaking of success.

“;You can measure it in fancy home, expensive car or dress. But the measure of your real success is the one you cannot spend. It's the way your kids describe you when they're talking to a friend.”; (Author unknown)

You can substitute other words for “;kids,”; such as friends, co-workers, staff and, for teachers, students.

In my next column I'll share 10 things that I feel successful people DON'T do.

See you in two weeks!